4. General information and faculty policies

Applying for admission

How to apply

All enquiries regarding admission should be directed to the Faculty of Arts office. The contact details are:

Faculty of Arts
Quadrangle A14
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006 Australia

Email:
www.arts.usyd.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9351 3240
Fax: +61 2 9351 2045

The faculty's office counter hours are Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm. The office is located in the southwest corner of the Quadrangle, next to the MacLaurin Hall stairwell. Application forms for local students are available on request, or may be downloaded from the faculty website. International students may contact the faculty office directly for advice about courses, but should contact the University's International Office to apply for admission to the University. The International Office has a comprehensive website, where overseas applicants will find information about the University's history and governance, student life at the University, and accommodation in Sydney. Go to www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/international/

Applying to the Faculty of Arts - local applications

Applications are accepted from Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens. Applicants must provide certified evidence of their citizenship or permanent residency status. Applicants must also provide academic transcripts detailing undergraduate qualifications and results for all courses or units of study undertaken; original transcripts or transcripts certified by the issuing institution only are accepted. Please do not send copies of testamurs, or original documents that cannot be replaced; we are unable to return them. Personal applicants may attend the faculty office with original documents for sighting by faculty postgraduate advisers. If your undergraduate qualification was undertaken at a university or other institution where the language of instruction was not English, you will be required to provide evidence that you meet the English language requirements of the University of Sydney. Additional information may be required by some programs (e.g. a portfolio of written work, personal statement of reasons for undertaking the course, etc).

Applying to UAC - local applications

In 2009, the Faculty of Arts is participating in a trial for admissions through UAC (Universities Admissions Centre). Applicants for award courses in the following programs only should apply to UAC: Health Communication, Media Practice, Strategic Public Relations. All UAC applicants must apply online using Apply-By-Web on the UAC website www.uac.edu.au/postgraduate.html. Click on ‘UAC Postgraduate’ then click on ‘Apply-By-Web’ under ‘Online applicant services’.

Apply-By-Web will instruct you throughout the application, but read the Apply-By-Web FAQs before you apply.

UAC contact details for enquiries:
Phone: +61 2 9752 0200
Web online enquiry form: www.uac.edu.au/postgraduate.html
Office hours: Mon–Fri, 8.30am–4pm

International applications

Overseas applicants must provide certified evidence of their citizenship. Applicants must also provide certified copies of academic transcripts detailing undergraduate qualifications and results for all courses or units of study undertaken. Certified transcripts should be provided in both the language of instruction at the university or institution where the degree or diploma was awarded, and in English. If your undergraduate qualification was undertaken at a university or other institution where the language of instruction was not English, you will be required to provide evidence that you meet the University's English language requirements.

Research applications

All research applicants must provide a 1000 word research proposal with their application. As departments and centres may have various expectations of a research proposal, the faculty recommends that all research applicants contact the postgraduate coordinator in the department or centre where they wish to study. The postgraduate coordinator can provide advice about the composition of a research proposal, discuss the proposed topic, and decide whether an academic staff member with appropriate qualifications and experience in the field is available to supervise the proposed topic. The University has a Supervision Policy in place; the faculty observes the guidelines of the Policy in the appointment of Supervisors for research candidates. Appointments are made at the discretion of the department and are subject to the approval of the Dean.

Closing dates

Application forms and information about courses of study are available from mid September. There are two rounds for applications for admission in Semester 1, 2009, which allow local students more time to prepare and submit an application.

Round 1 closing date is 31 October 2008*

Applications received by this date will be assessed during November and applicants will receive a response before the University closes for the Christmas break.

Round 2 closing date is 9 January 2009

International applications may be submitted up to 31 October 2008. Most overseas applicants must allow time for the processing of both the application for admission and the subsequent application for a visa to enter Australia. Approved overseas applicants should arrive in Sydney no less than two weeks prior to the start of classes, to allow time to settle in to life in Sydney.

*Please note that local research applicants also applying for a scholarship to commence in 2009 must apply on or before 31 October 2008; scholarship applications are assessed and ranked in November and there is no provision for a second closing date.

Most courses offer admission commencing Semester 2 – i.e. mid-year admission. In 2009, there is no mid-year admission to the postgraduate programs in Applied Linguistics or Translation Studies. Please contact the faculty office in late March for further information. The closing date for local applications is 30 April 2009, but applications received after this date will be accepted.

Coursework candidature

Coursework award requirements

Graduate Certificate

A Graduate Certificate requires the satisfactory completion of 4 units of study (24 credit points). The Graduate Certificate may be undertaken full-time in one semester, or part-time (up to two years i.e. over four semesters). Graduate Certificate courses may include core or compulsory units of study. The Graduate Certificate in Arts (Anthropology) and the Graduate Certificate in Arts (Research Methods) are offered as stand-alone awards i.e. there is no 'upgrade' to a higher award.

Graduate Diploma

A Graduate Diploma requires the satisfactory completion of 6 units of study (36 credit points). The Graduate Diploma may be undertaken full-time over one year, or part-time (up to three years). Graduate Diploma courses may include core or compulsory units of study. Candidates who have satisfied the requirements for the award of the Graduate Certificate may apply to upgrade to the Graduate Diploma course in the same sequence, provided that their results are of sufficient merit.

Master of Arts
Master of Applied Linguistics
Master of Art Curatorship
Master of Asian Studies
Master of Buddhist Studies
Master of Creative Writing
Master of Crosscultural Communication
Master of Cultural Studies
Master of Development Studies
Master of Digital Communication and Culture
Master of European Studies
Master of Film Studies
Master of Health Communication
Master of Human Rights
Master of International Studies
Master of Media Practice
Master of Museum Studies
Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
Master of Political Economy
Master of Professional Communication
Master of Public Policy
Master of Publishing
Master of Strategic Public Relations
Master of US Studies

These master's degrees require the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points). Master degrees in the Faculty of Arts may be undertaken full-time over one year, or part-time (2–4 years). They may include core or compulsory units of study, and/or a dissertation (2 units of study = 12 credit points). The dissertation is normally 10,000–12,000 words on an approved topic under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Please note that the awards of Master of International Studies (Honours) and Master of Public Policy (Honours) require the completion of a compulsory dissertation of 20,000 words (2 units of study = 12 credit points).

Candidates who have satisfied the requirements for the award of the Graduate Diploma may apply to upgrade to the Master course in the same sequence, provided that their results are of sufficient merit.

In 2009 the degree of Master of Arts may be undertaken in the following subject areas: Ancient World Studies, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Art History and Theory, English, Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies, History, Holocaust Studies, Philosophy, Social Policy, Sociology.

Master of Translation Studies

The degree of Master of Translation Studies requires the satisfactory completion of 12 units of study (72 credit points), comprising 8 core units of study (6 credit points each = 48 credit points) + 3 elective units of study (6 credit points each = 18 credit points) + a compulsory fieldwork unit of study (6 credit points).

Master of Letters

The degree of Master of Letters (MLitt) requires the satisfactory completion of 12 units of study (72 credit points), which must include a treatise (2 units of study valued at 12 credit points each = 24 credit points) or, in the case of the Master of Letters in US Studies, a treatise, exchange, or internship capstone project, subject to the permission of the program Director. The treatise is 20,000–25,000 words on an approved topic under the supervision of an academic member of staff. The Master of Letters may be undertaken full-time over 1.5 years (3 semesters), or part-time (3–6 years) and may include core or compulsory units of study, in addition to the treatise. Candidates who have satisfied the requirements for the award of the Master of Arts degree or equivalent master degree (8 units of study) may apply to upgrade to the Master of Letters course in the same sequence, provided that their results are of sufficient merit.

In 2009 the Master of Letters degree may be undertaken in the following subject areas: Ancient World Studies, Creative Writing, Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies, History, Linguistics, Museum Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and US Studies.

Postgraduate Non-Award Study

Qualified applicants may undertake postgraduate non-award study – that is, study as an enrolled coursework student without the award of a degree, diploma or certificate. Postgraduate non-award study may interest you if you're thinking about enrolling in a degree at Sydney at a later date; you may apply to credit your results in your non-award study toward the requirements for the award of your later degree. Enrolling as a non-award student might help you ease yourself back into study without the pressure of committing to a full-time load or degree requirements over a period of time. Postgraduate non-award study is a popular option for students residing outside Sydney too: you can enrol in our online postgraduate units of study and participate as a student in our classes delivered on the web, as well as being entitled to all the privileges of a student on campus, with full access to Fisher Library's online services.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements to coursework programs can vary between disciplines and departments. The requirements are detailed under each area of study in the following pages. Admission is recommended at the discretion of individual departments or centres and is subject to the final approval of the Dean of the faculty. Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements set for postgraduate study may be required to complete undergraduate study through a Diploma of Arts, Diploma of Social Sciences or Diploma of Languages. Applications for these diplomas should be made to the faculty office. Please contact an undergraduate adviser for further information: +61 2 9351 3129 or arts.ug@usyd.edu.au.

Concurrent enrolment

A student cannot enrol concurrently in more than one award course that is not already a combined course of study approved by the Senate, unless approved in writing by the relevant Deans.

Coursework tuition fees in 2009

Following changes in Government policy in 1997, local students commencing a postgraduate coursework program pay tuition fees rather than HECS. Fees do not have to be paid up front for the whole program. Fees are charged up front per semester for the units of study in which you are enrolled.

The University's tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be varied during the period of study. The exact tuition fee for your course may depend on the specific units of study in which you enrol. The fee in 2009 for local students (Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens), per postgraduate unit of study in Arts (UoS) (6 credit points) (HECS weight 0.125) is as follows:

Degree	UoS req'd	Fee per UoS (6cp)	Full-time (years)
DC033 Master of Letters	72	$1770	1.5
DC034 Master of Arts	48	$1770	1
DC042 Master of Applied Linguistics	48	$1770	1
DC063 Master of Art Curatorship	48	$1770	1
DC043 Master of Asian Studies	48	$1770	1
DC049 Master of Buddhist Studies	48	$1770	1
DC044 Master of Creative Writing	48	$1770	1
DC045 Master of Crosscultural Communication	48	$1770	1
DC057 Master of Cultural Studies	48	$1770	1
DC040 Master of Development Studies	48	$1770	1
DC050 Master of Digital Communication and Culture	48	$1770	1
DC046 Master of European Studies	48	$1770	1
DC051 Master of Film Studies	48	$1770	1
DC064 Master of Health Communication	48	$1950	1
DC055 Master of Human Rights	48	$1770	1
DC060 Master of International Studies	48	$1950	1
DC037 Master of Media Practice	48	$1770	1
DC047 Master of Museum Studies	48	$1770	1
DC048 Master of Peace and Conflict Studies	48	$1770	1
DC066 Master of Political Economy	48	$1950	1
DC036 Master of Professional Communication	48	$1770	1
DC059 Master of Public Policy	48	$1950	1
DC053 Master of Publishing	48	$1770	1
DC041 Master of Strategic Public Relations	48	$1950	1
DC065 Master of Translation Studies	72	$1770	1.5
DC054 Master of US Studies	48	$1770	1
DC067 Master of Letters in US Studies	72	$1770	1.5
DF012 Graduate Diploma in Arts	36	$1770	1
DF022 Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics	36	$1770	1
DF039 Graduate Diploma in Art Curatorship	36	$1770	1
DF023 Graduate Diploma in Asian Studies	36	$1770	1
DF027 Graduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies	36	$1770	1
DF024 Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing	36	$1770	1
DF034 Graduate Diploma in Cultural Studies	36	$1770	1
DF020 Graduate Diploma in Development Studies	36	$1770	1
DF028 Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication and Culture	36	$1770	1
DF025 Graduate Diploma in European Studies	36	$1770	1
DF029 Graduate Diploma in Film Studies	36	$1770	1
DF040 Graduate Diploma in Health Communication	36	$1950	1
DF033 Graduate Diploma in Human Rights	36	$1770	1
DF037 Graduate Diploma in International Studies	36	$1950	1
DF017 Graduate Diploma in Media Practice	36	$1770	1
DF013 Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies	36	$1770	1
DF026 Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies	36	$1770	1
DF042 Graduate Diploma in Political Economy	36	$1950	1
DF016 Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication	36	$1770	1
DF035 Graduate Diploma in Public Policy	36	$1950	1
DF031 Graduate Diploma in Publishing	36	$1770	1
DF021 Graduate Diploma in Strategic Public Relations	36	$1950	1
DF041 Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies	36	$1770	1
DF032 Graduate Diploma in US Studies	36	$1770	1
DG004 Graduate Certificate in Arts	24	$1770	0.5
DG016 Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics	24	$1770	0.5
DG035 Graduate Certificate in Art Curatorship	24	$1770	0.5
DG017 Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DG021 Graduate Certificate in Buddhist Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DG018 Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing	24	$1770	0.5
DG030 Graduate Certificate in Cultural Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DG014 Graduate Certificate in Development Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DG023 Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication and Culture	24	$1770	0.5
DG019 Graduate Certificate in European Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DG024 Graduate Certificate in Film Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DG036 Graduate Certificate in Health Communication	24	$1950	0.5
DG029 Graduate Certificate in Human Rights	24	$1770	0.5
DG031 Graduate Certificate in International Studies	24	$1950	0.5
DG017 Graduate Certificate in Media Practice	24	$1770	0.5
DG005 Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DG020 Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DG037 Graduate Certificate in Political Economy	24	$1950	0.5
DG009 Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication	24	$1770	0.5
DG032 Graduate Certificate in Public Policy	24	$1950	0.5
DG026 Graduate Certificate in Publishing	24	$1770	0.5
DG015 Graduate Certificate in Strategic Public Relations	24	$1950	0.5
DG028 Graduate Certificate in US Studies	24	$1770	0.5
DK000 Postgraduate Non-Award Study		$1770

Where all the requirements are begun and completed in the 2009 calendar year, the total fee per program of study, with all units of study chosen from the Faculty of Arts offerings, will be:

Master degrees

except Master of Health Communication, International Studies, Political Economy, Public Policy, Strategic Public Relations, Translation Studies* and the degree of Master of Letters* (see below*)
8 units of study x tuition fee quoted in the above table e.g. Master of Arts 8 x $1770 = $14,160

Master of Health Communication, International Studies, Political Economy, Public Policy, Strategic Public Relations
8 units of study x tuition fee quoted in the above table e.g. Master of Health Communication 8 x $1950 = $15,600

Graduate Diploma

6 units of study x tuition fee quoted in the above table

Graduate Certificate

4 units of study x tuition fee quoted in the above table

*As the minimum time in which to complete the degrees of Master of Translation Studies, Master of Letters and Master of Letters in US Studies (12 units of study) is three semesters (1.5 years), a standard 'per program' fee cannot be quoted for 2009 i.e. an MLitt completed in the minimum time, with enrolment in 8 units of study in 2009 would extend to a further 4 units of study in 2010.

Note: Fees may be tax deductible. Please seek advice from your tax agent or the Australian Taxation Office.

The University's tuition fees are reviewed annually. The Faculty of Arts endeavours to keep fee rises to a minimum.

Unit of study requirements

Face-to-face teaching

At least two hours per week (26–39 hours of face-to-face teaching in total for the semester), which may comprise face-to-face teaching and/or other forms of compulsory teaching and learning activities which do not require students and/or teachers to be in the same physical location, e.g. online communication, video conferencing etc.

Expected private study

Completion of assignments, class and examination practice, etc. 9–10 hours per week
Note: Some students have a formal examination which requires study up to the examination period.

Assessment/Examination

Normally 4000–5000 words in assignments/essays and no exam, or 3000 words and two hours of formal exams (where 1000 words = 1 hour of formal examination). Although this is expressed in traditional terms, newer forms of assessment are not precluded or discouraged. Equivalences should be made in terms of demand on students.

The University of Sydney Calendar 2009

Under the terms of the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (as amended) the following requirements are set for the completion of a unit of study:

4.2 A student completes a unit of study if the student:
4.2.1 participates in the learning experiences provided for the unit of study;
4.2.2 meets the standards required by the University for academic honesty;
4.2.3 meets all examination, assessment and attendance requirements for the unit of study; and
4.2.4 passes the required assessments for the unit of study.

Work to be completed during semester of enrolment

Candidates are required to complete all work for the unit(s) of study in which they are enrolled during any given semester. This includes attendance for the required number of hours for all internship units of study, the submission of all written work relating to internships, and the satisfactory completion and submission on time of all assessment tasks, essays, dissertations and treatises.

FEE-HELP

On 1 January 2005, the Commonwealth Government introduced FEE-HELP to assist students in funding higher education study by coursework.

FEE-HELP replaces PELS (the Postgraduate Education Loan Scheme) for postgraduate coursework students seeking funding assistance.

Applicants obtain a Request for FEE-HELP Assistance form at the time of enrolment. Important points for prospective applicants to note are as follows:

1. FEE-HELP provides a loan for tuition fees only. FEE-HELP cannot cover general services, University compulsory subscriptions, accommodation or living expenses.
2. Students may borrow up to the amount of the tuition fee charged per unit of study. Over a lifetime, individuals can only borrow up to the FEE-HELP limit. In 2009, the FEE-HELP limit is $81,313. This amount is indexed each year.
3. There is no application fee for postgraduate students requesting FEE-HELP.
4. An interest rate is not applied to FEE-HELP debts. However, the debt is indexed each year to maintain its real value.
5. Students may choose to request FEE-HELP to cover part of their course, rather than the whole course i.e. assistance may be provided for some units of study in the course, while others are paid for up front.
6. Students are asked to provide a Tax File Number (TFN) when completing and signing the Request for FEE-HELP Assistance form. If you choose not to provide your TFN, you will not be entitled to FEE-HELP, as the TFN is required to enable the University to advise the amount of your loan to the Australian Tax Office. Please provide your TFN at the time of enrolment.
7. The closing date for requesting FEE-HELP is the census date for enrolment in units of study. These dates are Tuesday 31 March, 2009 for units of study in Semester 1, 2009, and Monday 31 August 2009 for units of study in Semester 2, 2009. It is not possible to request FEE-HELP after these dates. These are also the last dates for which you can vary your enrolment (add, change, or withdraw from units of study), or cancel your request for FEE-HELP.
8. You will need to submit a new Request for FEE-HELP Assistance form if you transfer/upgrade to a different course of study.
9. You do not have to begin re-paying your FEE-HELP debt until the 2009-2010 income year. You will be required to make a compulsory payment in that year if your FEE-HELP repayment income is above the threshold. In 2008–2009, the threshold is $41,595.
10. Repayment of FEE-HELP debt is calculated by the Australian Tax Office and the amount will be included in your income tax notice of assessment.

Comprehensive information about FEE-HELP can be found at: www.goingtouni.gov.au.

HECS-HELP

Changes to HECS were introduced on 1 January 2005.

The nature of the HECS changes

HECS Places became Commonwealth Supported Places from 1 January 2005. Universities are now required to determine student contribution (or HECS) amounts for these places, within ranges set by the Australian Government.

Student Learning Entitlement

The Australian Government's Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) gives all Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent visa access to a Commonwealth supported place for seven years of equivalent full-time study. Thereafter, students will be subject to full fees.

Eligibility for loans and discounts

The deferred payment arrangements and discount for up-front payments that existed under HECS still exist but are now called HECS-HELP assistance. Australian citizens and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa are eligible for HECS-HELP, however, the discount for full up-front payments or partial up-front payments of $500 or more has been reduced from 25% to 20%.

HECS students who commenced before 2005

The Australian Government has determined that you are to be considered a pre-2005 student if you:

• commenced your course of study as a HECS liable student before 1 January 2005
• have not discontinued your enrolment without formal approval from the University
• have not completed the requirements of your course or the requirements of another course you have transferred into at the same level.

As a pre-2005 student, most of the changes outlined above will apply to you. That is, you will:

• become a Commonwealth supported student (previously known as HECS liable)
• commence using your SLE (from 1 January 2005 with the full entitlement of 7 years) and
• if you are currently eligible to defer your HECS to the Taxation.

System or to pay up-front, you will be eligible for HECS-HELP assistance although, as stated above, the discount rate for an up-front payment will be reduced to 20%.

Those changes that will affect you in a different fashion as a pre-2005 student are:

• changes to the student contribution amounts. Students commencing at The University of Sydney from 1 January 2005, who are Commonwealth supported will, in most cases, be subject to contribution amounts greater than yours. Your contribution amount will increase for 2005 but, as in previous years, only in accordance with the annual indexation applied by the Australian Government, and
• new eligibility criteria for HECS-HELP. Pre-2005 students who are New Zealand citizens or the holders of a permanent visa (other than a permanent humanitarian visa) will have their eligibility for HECS-HELP assistance determined under the old HECS rules until the end of 2008. This means, if you were eligible in 2004 to defer your contribution, you will be eligible for HECS-HELP assistance (with the exception of those students who have exceeded the three year limit which applies to holders of permanent resident visas).

From the end of 2008, you will cease to be a pre-2005 HECS student and will study under the new arrangements, regardless of whether you have completed your course.

Equity HECS places in postgraduate study

In 2009 some new postgraduate coursework students will be permitted to undertake their studies in a HECS liable place. There will be a limited number of these places, which will be made available on the basis of equity considerations (financial circumstances).

Students will pay Differential HECS at the rate applicable in 2009. The rate for Band 1 is $5201 per annum.

To be eligible to apply:

• you should be receiving the basic rate of income support from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs for the financial year 1 July 2007–30 June 2008 (You will be required to supply a Statement of benefits received for the above period from Centrelink), or
• your taxable income for the financial year 1/7/2007 to 30/6/2008 will be at or less than the HECS repayment threshold ($41,595 per annum in 2008). You will be required to provide your Tax Assessment Notice for the above period from the Australian Taxation Office.

Note: If you are receiving AUSTUDY/ABSTUDY, a Tax Assessment Notice from the Australian Taxation Office must also be submitted.

Please complete the application form, available from the faculty office, attach the required documentation, and return it to the Faculty of Arts office by Friday 19 December 2008.

Refunds Policy

The University's Refunds Policy applies to withdrawals and discontinuations from local fee-paying postgraduate award courses and local postgraduate or undergraduate fee-paying non-award programs.

Policy

The University imposes the following policies with respect to the refund of fees paid for local fee paying postgraduate award courses, units of study, and local postgraduate or undergraduate fee paying non-award programs.

1. Students who withdraw (*) from a fee paying postgraduate award course or from a postgraduate or undergraduate fee paying non award program before the start of a semester but subsequent to enrolment will be reimbursed 100% of the tuition fee and 100% of all compulsory subscriptions paid.
2. Students who withdraw (*) from a fee paying postgraduate award course or from a postgraduate or undergraduate fee paying non award program after the commencement of teaching but before 31 March or 31 August in the February or July semester (the DEEAWR census date) will be reimbursed 100% of the tuition fee and 100% of all compulsory subscriptions paid.
3. No refunds are payable in respect of a particular semester to students who discontinue (**) from a fee paying postgraduate degree, graduate diploma or graduate certificate or from a postgraduate or undergraduate fee paying non degree program.
4. Students who withdraw (*) from March or July semester units of study prior to the relevant census date will be refunded 100% of the tuition fee for those units.
   Students who withdraw (*) from 'Intensive Mode' postgraduate units of study will be refunded 100% of the tuition fee for those units. No refunds are payable to students who discontinue (**) from 'Intensive Mode' postgraduate units of study. See the separate Sydney Summer School refund policy for the refund penalties that apply to units of study taken within the Summer School.
5. No refunds are payable in respect of the discontinuation (**) of a semester long unit of study.
6. If a variation of a student's enrolment before the DEEAWR census date results in a change of part-time/full-time status then any appropriate reduction with respect to compulsory subscriptions will be refunded in full.
7. Deans may authorise refunds in circumstances other than those set out above, but may not retrospectively authorise changes to enrolments after the census dates within the existing policies that allow Deans to authorise such changes on the grounds of administrative system failures. Deans may also authorise the cancellation of a debt where a student has had his or her enrolment cancelled due to non payment of fees and the Dean is satisfied that the student has not attended classes beyond the DEEAWR census date. In all cases appropriate documentation must be provided to ensure a defensible audit trail. Where appropriate this documentation will include a statement detailing the nature of any administrative error and the steps that will be taken to avoid its recurrence. This will be recorded in the student's file with a copy forwarded to the Registrar through the Director of the Student Centre.

* Withdraw – To cease studies in a unit or units of study and/or award course at any time subsequent to enrolment and prior to the close of business on the census date in either the February or July semester (31 March or 31 August). In respect of units of study offered in non-standard sessions (intensive mode units), to cease studies at any time subsequent to enrolment up until:

1. Close of business on the first day of teaching of the unit of study where the duration of the non-standard session in which the unit is offered is less than six weeks, or
2. Close of business on the 14th day after teaching has commenced for the unit of study where the duration of the non-standard semester in which the unit is offered is greater than six weeks but less than a standard semester.

** Discontinue – To cease studies in a unit or units of study and/or award course at any time during the session subsequent to the relevant census date (31 March or 31 August). In respect of units of study offered in non-standard sessions (intensive mode units), to cease studies at any time during the non-standard session subsequent to the census dates set for that non-standard session, see Withdraw above and the qualification in respect of census dates for 2008.

Deadlines for changes to enrolment

Census dates

31 March for Semester 1
31 August for Semester 2

These are the latest date each semester for students to make any variations to their enrolment details, such as application for suspension, changing from full-time to part-time candidature, withdrawing from units of study or candidature.

Credit and advanced standing

'Credit' and 'advanced standing' in postgraduate coursework refer to the recognition of work completed during previous study at postgraduate level.

Credit

Definition

Recognition of previous studies, or of studies undertaken at another institution. If credit is granted, then the number of credit points required for the completion of the course is reduced.

Credit for previous postgraduate study undertaken at another institution

Candidates may apply for credit for a limited number of units of study undertaken toward a previous postgraduate diploma or degree, if those units of study were completed at an accredited tertiary institution other than the University of Sydney. Candidates undertaking a Graduate Diploma in the Faculty of Arts may apply for credit for up to 3 postgraduate units of study (18 credit points); candidates completing a master degree may apply for credit for up to 4 postgraduate units of study (24 credit points) i.e., 50% of the course requirements in both cases. No credit may be granted toward a Graduate Certificate. Credit is not granted in every instance; approval is granted at the discretion of the department concerned.

Candidates seeking credit for previous postgraduate study must satisfy the faculty that the academic content, assessment methods, duration of study, objectives and outcomes, and study workload of individual units are equivalent to those offered by the Faculty in the relevant course of study at the University of Sydney. Undergraduate units of study may not be credited toward a postgraduate course.

Results awarded by another institution are neither recognised nor recorded. Consequently, approved credit will appear on University of Sydney academic transcripts as 'unspecified credit' with a corresponding block credit point value, approved by the faculty.

Applications for credit from another tertiary institution must be made on the form available from the Faculty of Arts office, and be accompanied by an original academic transcript and verifiable course outline or syllabus from the relevant tertiary institution.

Further reference: University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (as amended)

Advanced standing

Definition

Recognition of previous experience or studies, meaning that the candidate has satisfied the entry requirement for a particular unit of study. Advanced standing does not reduce the number of credit points required to complete the degree course.

Advanced standing means that the entry requirement for a unit of study is waived by the Dean on the recommendation of the Chair of the department. In some instances, candidates may be exempt from undertaking the core unit or units in a course, and be permitted to enrol in an alternative unit or units.

Advanced standing does not reduce the total number of credit points required for the satisfactory completion of the course or the award of the certificate, diploma or degree.

Enrolment variations

It is your responsibility to ensure you are correctly enrolled.

Check your personal Confirmation of Enrolment. You will receive this in the mail. Bring it to the Faculty of Arts office to make any changes to your enrolment. Alternatively, you may vary your enrolment on the web.

Advising your department of your intention to change your enrolment is not sufficient. If you do not advise the Faculty of Arts of a change in writing you will be incorrectly enrolled, incorrectly charged, unable to receive a result and ineligible to graduate.

You must enrol in all units of study with the Faculty of Arts.

Adding or withdrawing from a unit of study

This must be done in writing at the Faculty of Arts office or on the web via MyUni before the following census dates:

31 March for Semester 1 units of study
31 August for Semester 2 units of study

If you withdraw by the above dates you will receive a refund of fees. If you discontinue a unit of study after the above dates you will be Discontinuing with Permission (DNF) and will be charged for the unit, regardless of whether you have completed the required work. If you do not complete required assessment and do not advise the faculty you will be charged for the unit of study and will receive a result of Absent Fail (AF). If you are enrolled in a unit of study which the department subsequently cancels, it is your responsibility to notify the Faculty of Arts in writing to withdraw you from that unit by the census dates. If you do not, you will be charged for the unit.

Credit for previous study
Cross-listing a unit of study
Transfer of candidature (upgrade or downgrade)
Suspension of candidature
Recommencement of candidature
Discontinuation of candidature

Application forms for the above are available at the Faculty of Arts office or at www.arts.usyd.edu.au. Forms must be completed and approved by the department and the Dean. Applications must be submitted prior to the census dates:

31 March for Semester 1
31 August for Semester 2
Retrospective applications cannot be processed.

You must notify the faculty office that you will be recommencing after a period of suspension. If you do not, you will not be able to enrol.

Transfers and upgrades

Subject to the approval of the department and the Dean of the faculty, coursework candidates who have satisfied progression requirements in one course may apply to transfer candidature between 'articulated' or associated courses. Courses are articulated within programs to allow students of sufficient merit to 'upgrade' from the Graduate Certificate to the Graduate Diploma, and from the Graduate Diploma to the Master degree. It is not possible to transfer between programs e.g. Media Practice to Professional Communication, or Art Curatorship to Museum Studies.

Students planning to upgrade should take special note of the 'core' unit of study requirements in their program, and of the semester or semesters in which core units of study are offered. All students must complete core units of study as specified in their individual programs to be eligible for the award of their certificate, diploma or degree.

Minimum completion requirements to upgrade

Graduate Certificate to Graduate Diploma: 18 credit points
Graduate Diploma to Master: 24 credit points
Master to Master of Letters: 36 credit points

Upgrade approval is neither 'automatic' nor guaranteed and, in some instances, students may be asked to submit an application to upgrade only after they have completed all the requirements for the award of the certificate, diploma or degree in which they are currently enrolled.

Dissertations, treatises, internships and 'capstone' projects

Dissertation

(Part 1 and Part 2)

The dissertation is equivalent to two units of study (total 12 credit points), Dissertation Part 1 and Dissertation Part 2. A result is given on completion of both parts of the dissertation. The completion of Dissertation Part 1 only does not count towards the degree. Candidates normally undertake reading, research and draft-writing toward the dissertation while enrolled in Part 1. The dissertation is written and submitted during enrolment in Part 2. Enrolment normally takes place over two semesters, i.e. enrolment in Part 1 in one semester, enrolment in Part 2 in the following semester.

Some departments include the satisfactory completion of the dissertation as a compulsory requirement; others offer the dissertation as an elective component, which may be replaced by two other classroom-based units of study. Candidates interested in pursuing a higher degree by research (Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy) are advised to undertake the dissertation by way of completing a qualifying research component in their course. The dissertation may not be undertaken by Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master of Letters candidates.

The dissertation is normally 10,000– 12,000 words, except Master of International Studies (Hons) and Master of Public Policy (Hons) which are 20,000 words.

Treatise

(Part 1 and Part 2)

The treatise is equivalent to 4 units of study (24 credit points). A result is given on completion of both parts of the treatise. The completion of Treatise Part 1 only does not count towards the degree. Candidates normally undertake reading, research and draft-writing toward the Treatise while enrolled in Part 1. The Treatise is written and submitted during enrolment in Part 2. Enrolment normally takes place over two semesters, i.e. enrolment in Part 1 in one semester, enrolment in Part 2 in the following semester. The Treatise is available to Master of Letters (MLitt) candidates only and is normally 20,000–25,000 words.

Internships

Students enrolled in some postgraduate courses undertake internships as an integral or elective part of their course requirements. Individual arrangements for the internships are subject to the approval of the postgraduate coordinator.

An internship is a unit of study involving attendance at a gallery or museum or other workplace, normally off-campus. Students enrolled in internship units of study are covered by the University's public liability insurance for the period of their internship. Internships must therefore be completed during the period of enrolment; the University's public liability insurance cannot cover students for internships undertaken outside the enrolment period. If, for any reason, you are unable to complete an internship during the current academic year of your enrolment, you must advise the faculty immediately.

'Capstone' projects

Some postgraduate Master awards include 'capstone' projects which may comprise compulsory units of study (fieldwork in the final semester of the Master of Translation Studies degree) or elective units of study (a study abroad experience in the United States in the Master of Letters in US Studies). As with internships, students are covered by the University's public liability insurance for the period of their external experience or project. Requirements must therefore be completed during the period of enrolment; the University's public liability insurance cannot cover students outside the enrolment period. If, for any reason, you are unable to complete your fieldwork or capstone project during the current academic year of your enrolment, you must advise the faculty immediately.

Merit scholarships

Merit Scholarships will be available in 2009 to local fee-paying postgraduate coursework students enrolled in the master's, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates. Students do not apply for a scholarship.

The Faculty of Arts will award up to 10 Merit Scholarships each year.

The Merit Scholarship will be a discount on course fees of $300 per unit of study commencing in the semester following the award of the scholarship. Merit Scholarship holders will be notified in writing of the award of a scholarship.

Conditions

To be awarded the scholarship, candidates must:

• be enrolled in a postgraduate coursework program in the Faculty of Arts (i.e. master's, graduate diploma, graduate certificate)
• be enrolled in a minimum of 2 units of study (12 credit points) in a semester
• complete, and have confirmed by the semester results processing deadline, results within the enrolled program in that semester
• achieve a minimum distinction average (75% or above) in the two best units of study within the award program in that semester, i.e. a distinction average does not guarantee a merit scholarship - the top 10 eligible students in a given semester will be ranked by the faculty for the awards

Merit Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of the results confirmed at the semester results processing deadlines, so late results will not be considered.

Award and graduation

The faculty will advise eligible graduands regarding the award of their degrees, diplomas and certificates, and provide information about the next scheduled graduation ceremony in an award letter. While the Graduations Office publishes an annual schedule of graduation ceremonies for the information of staff and students, no student should assume that he or she will graduate at a scheduled ceremony until advice has been received from the faculty office. Enquiries about graduand eligibility should be directed to the Postgraduate Manager.

Research candidature

Research degree requirements

Master of Arts (Research)

The Master of Arts (Research) award course is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to extend their studies beyond their undergraduate degree primarily by thesis but do not have an undergraduate honours degree or other qualification that would allow entry into a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The MA (Research) can be undertaken in a range of subject areas by research and thesis only, or a combination of thesis and coursework, as outlined below. It is not possible to upgrade from a Master of Arts (Research) degree to higher degree research candidature; the MA (Research) has different admission requirements to both the Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Admission to candidature

Applicants hold a Bachelor degree with a major in a relevant subject area, and a distinction average, from the University of Sydney, or an undergraduate degree deemed by the faculty to be equivalent.

All applicants submit a 1000 word research proposal with their application, outlining their proposed course of advanced coursework and/or research, depending on the course of study selected from the following:

Course structure

• Two postgraduate units of study (12 credit points) and a thesis of 26,000–28,000 words in length, or
• One postgraduate unit of study (6 credit points) and a thesis of 28,000 –30,000, or
• A thesis of 30,000–35,000 words.

The research and writing of the thesis, which is undertaken on an approved topic, are carried out under the supervision of an academic member of staff.

The course may be undertaken full-time (1–2 years), or part-time (2–4 years).

Doctor of Arts and Doctor of Social Sciences

The Doctor of Arts (DArts) and Doctor of Social Sciences (DSocSci) are professional doctorate degrees which allow candidates to pursue a higher degree of rigorous scholarship as well as advance their professional practice. The professional doctorate is designed to respond to the rapid changes taking place in the professional workplace which create demands on professionals such as journalists, creative writers, anthropologists, linguists, policy advisers, managers, and others to upgrade their qualifications. Leading employees are increasingly expected to be more aware of the changing environment of their professional practice, more focused on the specific developments of their field, and more skilled in research and analytical techniques. Further training at the upper levels of the discipline such as that offered to professional doctorate candidates can develop the sophisticated intellectual and applied knowledge and skills that are increasingly in high demand.

Admission to candidature

An applicant holds:

• a Bachelor degree with First or Second Class Honours in a relevant field of study from the University of Sydney, or
• an undergraduate degree deemed to be equivalent, or
• a Bachelor degree from the University of Sydney together with a substantial portfolio of published/professional work (for example, books, films, TV programs, creative work, government reports etc), or
• an undergraduate degree deemed to be equivalent together with a substantial portfolio of published/professional work (for example, books, films, TV programs, creative work, government reports etc), or
• a master degree by research from the University of Sydney, or
• a master degree by coursework including a dissertation from the University of Sydney with merit (distinction average) or a postgraduate degree deemed to be equivalent, and
• has a minimum of three years recent, full-time employment or professional experience in a relevant field.

All applicants submit a 1000 word research proposal with their application, outlining their proposed course of advanced coursework and research, and evidence that satisfies the requirements listed above.

Course structure

The professional doctorate comprises one-third coursework and two-thirds research. Candidates complete 5 postgraduate units of study, including the core unit WMST 6902 Arguing the Point (a total of 30 credit points), and research and writing toward a 50,000 word thesis under the supervision of an academic staff member. The course may be undertaken full-time (3–4 years) or part-time (3–8 years).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Admission to candidature

Applicants hold a Bachelor degree, normally with Honours Class 1 or 2.1 in the subject area in which they wish to proceed.

Course structure

The course may be undertaken full-time (3–4 years) or part-time (3–8 years). The degree currently requires the candidates to complete a supervised research thesis of 70,000–100,000 words.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Admission to candidature

Applicants hold a bachelor degree with a good honours result in the subject area in which they wish to proceed, or a master degree with merit (a distinction average), including a dissertation.

Course structure

The course may be undertaken full-time (1–2 years) or part-time (2–4 years). The degree currently requires the candidates to complete a supervised research thesis of 40,000–60,000 words.

Research degree award criteria

A hint to prospective students: keep your eye focused on the end product. Here are the criteria which, according to the form currently in use, your examiners will be asked to judge your thesis by when it goes for examination.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

1. the thesis is a substantially original contribution to the
   knowledge of the subject concerned
2. the thesis affords evidence of originality by the discovery
   of new facts
3. the thesis affords evidence of originality by the exercising
   of independent critical ability
4. the thesis is satisfactory as regards literary presentation
5. a substantial amount of material in the thesis is suitable
   for publication

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

1. the thesis demonstrates a capacity for original research
2. the thesis demonstrates a capacity for critical ability
3. the thesis is satisfactory as regards literary presentation

Thesis grades

HD High Distinction 85 or over
D Distinction 75 to 84
CR Credit 65 to 74
P Pass 50 to 64

Although the Master of Philosophy thesis demands similar contributions to scholarship as the Doctor of Philosophy, it is not expected to have satisfied these requirements to the same level of achievement or contain as much material suitable for publication as that required of a doctoral thesis.

Number of thesis copies for examination

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Candidates submit four copies of the thesis for examination.

Doctor of Arts (DArts), Doctor of Social Sciences (DSocSci), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Arts (Research)

Candidates submit three copies of the thesis for examination.

Australian Government Research Training Scheme (RTS)

In Semester 1, 2001, the Research Training Scheme (RTS) replaced the Research Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) Exemptions Scheme. Since 2001, RTS has provided Commonwealth-funded HDR students with an 'entitlement' to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course, up to a maximum period of four years' full-time equivalent study for a doctorate by research and two years' full-time equivalent study for a master's by research.

Where a student exhausts his or her entitlement but continues their enrolment in the same degree, the University may elect to impose fees on the student.

Suspension of candidature

With the introduction of the Research Training Scheme in 2001 and the reduced completion times – PhD 4 years, MPhil 2 years (full-time equivalent) – the RTS Scheme guidelines include the following statement regarding the suspension of studies:

RTS students may apply to their institution for a suspension or an accumulated period of suspensions of their studies for up to a total of 12 months. The approval of suspensions will be at the discretion of the institution.

The University may approve suspensions for an accumulated period of more than 12 months if there are exceptional circumstances beyond the student's control which warrant a further suspension.

The policy on suspensions with effect from 2002 is as follows:

• a student may not suspend in the first semester of their candidature
• a limit of two semesters suspension over the entire candidature is permitted
• requests for suspension beyond two semesters will be granted at the discretion of the Associate Dean or Faculty Postgraduate Matters Committee.

Higher degrees by research (HDR)

There are two groups of postgraduate research students and two different types of requirements, conditions and benefits that apply to students from each of the groups. Students commencing their higher degree research (HDR) studies from 2001 are subject to the RTS (Research Training Scheme). Different arrangements apply to continuing HDR students who commenced their courses in or before 2000 under previous funding arrangements (under the Research HECS Exemption Award – RHEA).

Students receiving an Australian Postgraduate Award will also be given matching HECS exemptions automatically.

Transfers from full to part-time and vice-versa do not affect the total exemptions which a student may receive. However, there are certain conditions to be taken into consideration that are outlined in the text that follows.

For the purposes of allocating HECS-exemption scholarships, the above categories relate to students enrolled by the census date. Students who enrol after the census date will normally not qualify for an exemption scholarship until the following semester, though enrolment at any time during a semester requires the full semester to be counted towards the above time limits. The census dates are 31 March 2008 for Semester 1 and 31 August 2008 for Semester 2.

Research Training Scheme (RTS)

The Research Training Scheme (RTS) replaced the Research Higher Education Contribution Scheme in Semester 1 (February) 2001. It provides Commonwealth-funded Higher Degree Research (HDR) students with an 'entitlement' to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course, up to a maximum period of four years' full-time equivalent study for a doctorate by research and up to two years' full-time equivalent study for a master's by research.
Where a student exhausts his/her entitlement but continues their enrolment in the same degree, the University may elect to impose fees on such students.

Entitlements for RTS students may vary according to the scenarios outlined below.

Withdrawal from studies

Where a student, including pre-2001 students (see Pre-2001 Students, below), withdraws from studies, the following entitlements will apply if, at a later date, the student resumes study in the same course or another course at the same level:

• If at least three years have elapsed since the previous enrolment, the student may be granted the maximum period allowed for the course under the RTS.
• If less than three years have elapsed since the previous enrolment, the student will have the period of any prior enrolment deducted from the maximum period allowed for the course under the RTS. This restriction applies even if the student enrols at a different institution.

Changing course

Where an RTS student changes his or her course of study to another HDR degree at the same level, the period of entitlement will remain unchanged. For example, if a student has completed one year of a master's degree by research and then changes to a different master's degree by research, the student will only be entitled to an RTS place for the new degree for a further one year.

Progression to a doctorate by research after completing a master's by research

Where an RTS student completes a master's by research and then progresses to an eligible doctorate by research, he or she will be entitled to the maximum period of two years for the master's study and four years for the doctorate study. This entitlement applies whether or not there is an interval between the master's and the doctorate enrolments.

If a student completes a master's by research in less than two years, the maximum entitlement for a subsequent doctorate by research by that student will still be limited to four years.

Upgrade from a master's by research to a doctorate by research

Where an RTS student commences studies in a master's by research and performs at a level that warrants conversion of the studies to a doctorate by research, the student will be limited to a maximum period of four years' RTS funding.

Downgrade from a doctorate by research to a master's by research

Where an RTS student elects, or is required, for academic or personal reasons, to change his/her candidature from a doctorate by research to a master's by research, he or she will be limited to a maximum period of two years. If the student has already held an RTS place for more than two years at the time of downgrading, he or she will not be entitled to any further Commonwealth funding.

Transfer to another institution

RTS students may transfer to another participating institution provided the new institution has an RTS place available or the student will be enrolling on a fee-paying basis. Where the student will be taking up an RTS funded place in a degree at the same level, the receiving institution will be required to obtain details from the student regarding his/her enrolment and consumption of RTS entitlement at the previous institution and determine his/her remaining entitlement. The University will take disciplinary action should it determine that a transferring student had provided false or deliberately misleading information.

Termination of an RTS place

An RTS place must be terminated when the student:

• ceases to be an enrolled student and has not requested a period of suspension
• lodges a thesis and is not required to undertake any further tasks related to their course or research project
• withdraws from study
• exhausts the maximum period of entitlement (four years' full-time equivalent study for students undertaking a doctorate by research and two years' full-time equivalent study for students undertaking a master's by research)
• does not resume study at the conclusion of a period of suspension or does not make arrangements to extend that period of suspension
• fails to maintain satisfactory progress.

Pre-2001 students – RHEA

All students continuing in 2008 who were reported as commencing in their HDR program on or prior to the census date for Semester 2, 2000, or were on a period of approved suspension at that time and who were in receipt of a Research HECS Exemption Award (RHEA) at the time of their most recent enrolment will be entitled to complete their current studies as HECS-exempt students until their entitlement is exhausted, unless the Minister otherwise agrees.

Continuing students who were HECS-liable at the time of their most recent enrolment will be entitled to complete their current studies as HECS-liable students until their entitlement is exhausted.

Under these arrangements students will be entitled to up to three years' full-time equivalent study if undertaking a master's by research and up to five years' full-time equivalent study if undertaking a doctorate by research.

Where a continuing student changes their enrolment status their entitlement to Commonwealth funding may be affected.

Continuing students who upgrade or downgrade their enrolment may continue their studies in their new degree under the pre-2001 funding arrangements. The student will be entitled to receive the maximum funding entitlement, as outlined above, for the new course.

Continuing students who transfer their enrolment to another course at the same level may also continue their studies in their new degree under the pre-2001 funding arrangements, however the period of their prior enrolment before the transfer must be deducted from their maximum entitlement.

Pre-2001 students who discontinue or have previously discontinued their studies (other than for a period of approved suspension) will be subject to the new arrangements should they re-enrol for an HDR course at a later date. Students who, after 1 January 2001, resume their studies (other than following an approved suspension) within three years will have the period of their prior enrolment deducted from their maximum entitlement under the RTS.

More information on the Research Training Scheme can be found on the following Department of Education Science and Training site:
www.hecs.gov.au/manual/01/htm/guidelines/research.htm

Extension of candidature
Suspension of candidature
Permission to count time away
Leave of absence
Permission to complete away
Change in attendance status
Recommencement of candidature
Additional units of study (for research candidates)
Discontinuation of candidature

Application forms for the above are available at the Faculty of Arts office or at www.arts.usyd.edu.au.

Forms must be completed and approved by the department and the Dean. Applications must be submitted prior to the census dates:

31 March for Semester 1
31 August for Semester 2
Retrospective applications cannot be processed

You must notify the faculty office that you will be recommencing after a period of suspension. If you do not, you will not be able to enrol.

Ethics

Your research methodology and/or research topic may require ethics approval - for example, if you are conducting interviews as part of your research methodology. It is important that you obtain ethics approval prior to commencing your research. The University's Human Research Ethics Committee reviews applications for ethics approval and provides advice about legal and ethical procedures in relation to all research conducted at the University. Separate committees administer applications in relation to animal ethics and biosafety. Please discuss the ethical implications of your research with your Supervisor and contact the Research Office for further advice.

Completion guidelines

Completion guidelines for research degrees approved by the faculty's Policy and Review Committee in December 2001, effective from 2002.

Introduction

From 2002 the University will be subject to the Australian Government's Research Training Scheme (RTS) arrangements for higher degree research students. RTS replaced the HECS Exemption Scheme.

The Commonwealth funds students up to a maximum of 4 full-time equivalent (FTE) years for doctoral candidates, and 2 FTE years for master's by research candidates. Thereafter the faculty receives no funding.

Under the terms of the RTS, it is the faculty's expectation that students will complete PhD candidature within a minimum of six semesters (FTE). This is equivalent to the Australian Postgraduate award (APA) funding period.

The seven steps to completion

PhD (over 7 semesters): 70,000–100,000 word thesis
MPhil (over 3.5 semesters): 40,000–60,000 word thesis

Model 1

For a PhD candidature who produces a 70–100,000 word thesis over 3.5 years. (This model excludes fieldwork/archival research/extensive interviews – see Model 2)

3 months

• review of topic and methodology
• review of supervision relationship

6 months

• submission of full chapter or equivalent (15,000 words, or as agreed with Supervisor and Assoc Dean)

12 months

• completion of any required coursework
• annual review including presentation of research to date
• probationary status reviewed
• permission to continue approved by Associate Dean

24 months

• submission of 50% of final thesis

36 months

• complete full draft
• all data has been collected
• all field work completed etc.
• all but introduction and conclusion in draft

39 months

• completion of full draft
• supervisor reviews the draft and makes final recommendations.
• Notice of Thesis Submission

42 months

• submission

Model 2

Recognising that not all disciplines involve the same type of research progression, the steps proposed above should be seen as flexible in terms of clear milestones to be attained. A fieldwork/archival-based degree will clearly require a different implementation of these steps. The steps of progression for a fieldwork/archival degree are as follows:

3 months

• review of topic and methodology
• review of supervision relationship

6–12 months

• completion of all bureaucratic tasks, such as finding field site/locating archival material, securing visas, equipment etc
• literature review
• proposal of specific research questions
• begin fieldwork/archive research
• completion of any required coursework
• probationary status reviewed
• permission to continue approved by Associate Dean

18 months

• most field recordings/transcriptions/archival data collection complete
• submission of chapter(s) or equivalent of 20,000+ words

Policy on upgrade from MPhil to PhD

The following policy came into effect in 2002.

Upgrade from Master of Philosophy (MPhil) to Doctor of Philosophy candidature (PhD) should not be 'automatic' or used to gain extra candidature time.

Recommendation

MPhil candidates seeking upgrade should demonstrate an ability to conduct research at PhD level by:

1. providing a detailed thesis outline satisfactory to the department
2. providing satisfactory chapter drafts of not less than a total of 35,000 words or equivalent (completed during the MPhil candidature)

Normally application to upgrade from MPhil to PhD should be made prior to the fourth semester (full-time equivalent) of MPhil candidature.

MA (Research) candidates please note: There is no provision to upgrade from the MA (Research) degree. The satisfactory completion of the MA (Research) degree is a qualification for admission to higher degree research candidature.

General research awards

Australian Postgraduate Award with stipend (APA)

The Australian Postgraduate Award with Stipend (APA) is open to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia who are eligible at 31 October 2008. Awards are funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Work Relations (DEEAWR) and are tenable at an Australian tertiary institution for doctoral and master's research degrees. The benefits include a non-taxable stipend valued at $20,007 per annum (2008 full-time rate), relocation and thesis allowances. Competition for the APA is high and successful applicants must hold a first class honours degree or equivalent.

Application forms are available from the Research Office from 31 August in the year prior to the first year of enrolment in the master's or PhD. Students who will have completed one year of study towards Master's by Research or up to 2.5 years of study towards PhD by the commencement of their scholarship are also able to apply. Applications close 31 October 2008.

University of Sydney Postgraduate Award (UPA)

The University of Sydney Postgraduate Award (UPA) has conditions and allowances similar to the APA. However, the award is funded by the University of Sydney and is not transferable to other institutions. The UPA is offered to applicants ranked on the Australian Postgraduate Award order of merit list.

For further information, or to submit an application, please contact:

Research Office
Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02
The University of Sydney NSW 2006

Phone: +61 2 8627 8111

Email:
www.usyd.edu.au/ro/
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

International Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Overseas applicants seeking admission to postgraduate research candidature may be eligible to apply for a scholarship.

Details of all scholarships available to international students are listed online at:

www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/international/postgrad/.

Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS)

What is the PRSS?

The PRSS is a scheme introduced by the University in 2001 to provide direct support for currently enrolled postgraduate research students. Under the scheme, funds are allocated to schools or departments (in some cases faculties) based on their higher degree research enrolment figures in the previous year. The funds are not allocated directly to the students but are awarded by schools or departments to eligible applicants on a competitive basis according to the University's general guidelines. In 2008, the total allocation was $1.14 million.

What are the eligibility criteria for support?

1. Currently enrolled candidates (including international students) who are

• PhD students, full-time or part-time, are eligible to apply for funds under the PRSS provided their candidature does not exceed eight full-time semesters (or part-time equivalent) at the closing date for applications, or
• master's by research students, full-time or part-time, are eligible to apply for funds under the PRSS provided their candidature does not exceed four full-time semesters (or part-time equivalent) at the closing date for applications.

2. Satisfactory progress towards timely completion of the degree

Applications will not considered if the applicant did not have satisfactory progress in the previous academic year and/or the period of candidature has been exceeded.

3. Justification for the use of funds

Applicants must include a brief statement outlining the benefits to the applicant's candidature.

4. Support from the applicant's supervisor(s)

5. Any achievement(s) related to the research such as publications (in press, or submitted), conference presentations, internal reports or other scholarly activities.

A track record of achievement during candidature provides some indication of satisfactory progress during the candidature, however it is not a prerequisite for a successful PRSS application.

What sort of things can I apply to get support for?

1. Conference expenses, for the purpose of presenting a paper or poster in connection with the students' research. Students who attend a conference without presenting are not eligible to apply under this category.
2. Expenses in connection with the use of specialist services, or a visit to use specialist facilities or to learn specialist technique/s directly related to the students' research, but were beyond those normally provided by the school or department.
3. Field expenses – provided the PRSS funds are not used to defray the infrastructure costs normally provided by the school or department.
4. Purchase of specialist books, periodicals, software that are essential to the students' research, but are not normally available or difficult to obtain in the University.
5. Purchase of computers or other equipment that are essential to the students' research and are above and beyond the normal infrastructure provided by the school or department.
6. Thesis production expenses to a maximum amount of $600 for a PhD thesis or $300 for a master's thesis. Only students who do not hold a scholarship which provides such expenses and who expect to submit their theses in the current semester/year can apply under this category.

What will not be supported?

Direct research costs will not be supported. Thus, expenditure related to the purchase of consumables (such as chemicals, stationery, questionnaires and disks) normally provided by schools or departments, or photocopying will not be supported under the PRSS.

What level of support is available?

Eligible students may apply for a minimum amount of $200 and a maximum amount of $1200 (up to $3000 to support presentations at conferences in Europe, Africa, North and South America, and up to $2,000 to support presentations at conferences in other countries) in each application round.

How often can I apply for support?

Each eligible student can lodge only one application in any PRSS round.

Doctoral students: although eligible doctoral students may apply during any PRSS application round, only three* successful applications during their candidature (eight full-time semesters, or part-time equivalent) are permitted. That is, a doctoral student can only be awarded funds three* times within eight full-time semesters under the PRSS.

* The following limit on the number of successful applications will apply to PhD students who commenced their degree prior to January 2001:

Students who have completed 2–4 full-time or equivalent semesters at the end of 2000: two successful applications are allowed during the remainder of their candidature (subject to eligibility criteria stated above) including any successful application/s in 2001 and 2002.

Master's by research students: although a master's by research student may apply during any PRSS application round, only one successful application during the candidature (four full-time semesters, or part-time equivalent) is permitted. That is, a master's student can only be awarded funds once under the PRSS. If a master's by research student converts to a PhD, the total number of successful PRSS applications permitted will be three (including any successful application as a master's student).

If I have a scholarship can I apply?

Currently enrolled students holding a scholarship in 2008 are eligible to apply for funding under PRSS.

When should I apply?

The faculty advertises information about the PRSS widely and posts application forms to all currently enrolled research students – please ensure that your correspondence address is current in our records. Application forms will also be made available online. One round of applications will be held in early August 2008. Applications must be lodged at the faculty office, marked for the attention of the Postgraduate Manager.

What information do I need to provide?

Apart from completing the application form, you will be required to provide a brief statement on justification for the use of funds, written support from your supervisor(s), and any evidence of achievement during candidature. You should provide detailed estimates of costings (eg., for books, computer software, accommodation, travel expenses) based on research which can be substantiated by the faculty's PRSS committee (printed information downloaded from online is acceptable; hard copies of emails are also acceptable), but please do not provide original receipts or invoices with your application – we have no facility to return them and original documents are required when claiming funds.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assesed by a faculty committee of senior academic staff comprised of representatives from the three schools. A meeting takes place approximately two weeks after the closing date for applications and students are normally notified regarding the outcome of their applications within four weeks of the closing date.

How are the funds paid if I am successful in getting support?

You will need to lodge a claim with your school or department for items that have been approved as soon as expenditure is committed. The funds can be paid in one of the following ways:

1. Reimbursement to you by cheque on presentation of original receipts.
2. By cheque payable to the supplier on presentation of original invoices, purchase orders, quotations, order forms, conference registration forms. Receipts from the suppliers for the value of the cheque/s received must be submitted by the student later.
3. By cheque as cash advance to you for travel in or outside Australia – original receipts for related expenses must be submitted by the student within seven days of completion of the travel.

For successful 2008 applicants, the last date to lodge a claim is 14 January 2009 and there are no provisions to carry forward any unused funds or to lodge late claims. Any funds that are not claimed must be returned by the schools or departments for re-allocation centrally in 2009.

Where can I get more information?

Contact your postgraduate coordinator, school or department office, or the faculty office directly.

PhD Research Travel Grant Scheme 2009

This funding scheme, for full-time PhD candidates only, is for expenses to be incurred relating to research outside Sydney during the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. be enrolled as full-time PhD candidates.
2. have completed at least one year full-time (or equivalent) in their current PhD candidature. (Candidates who have upgraded from MPhil candidature are eligible to apply if they are enrolled as full-time PhD candidates in Semester 2, 2008 and have completed at least one year full-time (or equivalent) in their MPhil candidature.)
   3. be undertaking primary research which cannot be completed without significant travel outside Sydney.

Selection

1. Applications will be ranked by a committee consisting of the Dean and the Chair, Deputy Chair and one other member of the Postgraduate Matters Committee. The committee shall determine the eligibility of applicants and the amount of each award relative to the number and quality of applicants and the importance of the proposal to each individual's overall research topic.
2. Priority may be given to applicants whose research requires them to reside outside Sydney for a period, and involves data collection in the field, in museums, archives and libraries, where the award will be used to meet, in whole or in part, the costs of travel and living expenses directly related to that research. It will be a requirement that applicants must demonstrate that travel is essential to the completion of their research.
3. The maximum award to any one candidate in any 12 months will be $2,000. Applicants would normally receive support from this fund for overseas travel only once in their candidature.
4. Awards may be held under both the PhD Research Travel Grant Scheme and the Postgraduate Research Support (PRSS) Scheme provided that expenses claimed under the PRSS Scheme cannot also be claimed under the PhD Research Travel Grant Scheme.

Expenditure

An award must be expended by 31 December 2009. Written permission will be required from the Chair of the Postgraduate Matters Committee for awards to be carried beyond that date.

Note: Students who do not anticipate claiming their award by the end of 2009 must advise the Faculty Accountant, Faculty of Arts, by 1 December 2009 or risk the possibility of losing their award. This is because any carry-forward expenditure for 2010 must be included in advance in the budget for that year.

Application procedure

Application forms have been sent to all currently enrolled PhD candidates, and forwarded to Heads of Schools, Chairs of Departments and Postgraduate Coordinators. Forms are also available electronically on the Arts Server, and on the Arts website: www.arts.usyd.edu.au. Applications should be signed by the Supervisor and the Chair of Department and forwarded to:

Postgraduate Manager
Faculty of Arts
Quadrangle A14
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006

Closing date: 29 August 2008

Postgraduate Arts Research Centre[\n](PG ARC)

Introducing PG ARC

PG ARC 1 and PG ARC 2 provide physical resources and a stimulating research environment for research students in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Sydney.

PG ARC 1

Any student enrolled in a postgraduate research degree in the Faculty of Arts is eligible to apply for access to PG ARC 1.

This facility is located on Level 4 of the Woolley Building. It provides 65 non-dedicated carrels, 120 dedicated secure lockers, and access to a photocopier and printer. Each of the 65 non-dedicated carrels is fitted with access points to the University computing network, including email and Internet. You may wish to bring your laptop computer if you have one. Students in PG ARC 1 also have access to the staff kitchen (with fridge, microwave, coffee and tea making facilities), and the staff common room, a place where students can talk and socialise in a casual setting.

Entry to PG ARC 1 is gained by a magnetic swipe on your student card. This allows entry 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

PG ARC 2 (The Completion Space)

PhD students in the final year of writing their thesis are eligible to apply for a place in PG ARC 2.

This refurbished, air-conditioned centre is located in the western wing of the Quadrangle. PG ARC 2 provides 28 dedicated work-stations each with shelves and generous space for papers, books, etc, together with a small filing cabinet with a lockable drawer. Each student has their own desk, however, if your routine is such that you don't need to use it full-time, you may be offered a desk to be shared with another student (e.g. two students might use their desk on different days, or at different times of day). There are also kitchen and WC facilities, a telephone, and a quiet sitting area.

Access is by a magnetic swipe on your student card, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Management of PG ARC

PG ARC has a management committee which includes student representation. The committee addresses routine administrative matters, formulates PG ARC policies, and organises occasional postgraduate student workshops and symposia.

Diana Jefferies is the current President of the PG ARC Activities Group – diana.jefferies@arts.usyd.edu.au

The Director of PG ARC is Dr Mark Allon:
mark.allon@usyd.edu.au

Other contacts

Enquiries about applications: +61 2 9351 4807
24 hour Security: +61 2 9351 3847
Emergencies: +61 2 9351 3333 (24 hours)
Photocopying: +61 2 9351 3251
IT support:+61 2 9351 7777

Occupational Health and Safety – OH&S

It is important that you are aware of Occupational Health and Safety issues relating to your place in either of the PG ARC facilities. Please consult the website of the University's Risk Management Office for comprehensive OH&S guidelines:
www.usyd.edu.au/risk/

How to apply for a place in PG ARC 1 or PG ARC 2

You can pick up an application form for PG ARC 1 or PG ARC 2 from the Faculty of Arts office in the Quadrangle, or download the form from the faculty website: www.arts.usyd.edu.au.

Submission of higher degree theses

The University now requests candidates to give three months' notice, via their supervisor and head of department, of the expected date of submission of their thesis. You should complete a Notice of Thesis Submission form and give it to your supervisor and head of department. This is to ensure that examiners have been arranged before your thesis has been submitted in order to minimise delays in the examination process.

Appointment of examiners

Whilst the appointment of examiners remains the responsibility of the University, the candidate, as well as initiating the appointment process, may have some input. In appointing examiners, the University seeks to ensure that they are appropriately qualified in, and conversant with current research in the field concerned, are familiar with the requirements for the degree in question and are free from bias for or against the candidate or supervisor. You may indicate in writing to your head of department or to the Dean or Chair of the postgraduate committee of your faculty or college, the name of any person whom you believe should not be appointed as an examiner giving your reasons in writing. You may also initiate with your supervisor and/or head of department a discussion as to the range of possible examiners. The head of department or your supervisor may also initiate this discussion. This process should not result in your being given the names of your examiners; this may jeopardise the integrity and independence of the examination process.

When the Notice of Thesis Submission form has been received at the faculty office, the faculty forwards an Appointment of Examiners form to the head of department/postgraduate coordinator requesting examiners' names: three for a PhD; two for a professional doctorate or master's research thesis. Prior to the thesis submission, the head of department/postgraduate coordinator should have issued a letter of invitation to potential examiners on behalf of the faculty office, asking them if they are willing to examine the thesis. In the case of the PhD, this is on a form which reiterates all the requirements expected of examiners and asks for supporting documentation if, for instance, the examiner is not obviously qualified by virtue of an academic appointment to so act. The procedure is not so elaborate for master's degrees.

When the head of department has completed the Appointment of Examiners form detailing the examiners' names, positions held, addresses and their willingness to examine the thesis, the completed form should be forwarded to the faculty for the Associate Dean's approval. When the examiners have been approved, the thesis together with the appropriate documentation from the faculty is dispatched immediately by mail, and by airmail to overseas examiners.

The examiners are requested to submit their examination report within two months. The faculty office monitors their progress and sends reminder notices if an examiner has not responded, and if absolutely necessary, moves to appoint a replacement examiner. It would be wrong to suggest that there were not on occasion problems with getting examiners' reports returned promptly. The faculty office will keep the head of department informed of any delays. But you must anticipate the process taking up to five months and regrettably sometimes longer.

The thesis

For the examination, the faculty requires students to submit four copies of a PhD and three copies of a professional doctorate or master's thesis. Both doctoral and master's theses can be submitted in either temporary or permanent binding. Temporary binding may be more appropriate for students as 75 percent of all PhD candidates are required by examiners to make amendements or typographical corrections to their thesis. The temporary binding allows these changes to be made more readily. Amendments, however, do not have to involve re-keying if a black ink/biro amendment is clear. Amendments can also be made by way of an appendix to the thesis.

Theses submitted in a temporary binding should be strong enough to withstand ordinary handling and postage. The preferred form of temporary binding is the 'perfect binding' system; springback, ringback or spiral binding is not acceptable. Following the examination, final hardbound theses should normally be on International Standard A4 size paper, sewn and bound in boards covered with bookcloth or buckram or other binding fabric. Alternately, the Xerox Demand binding system may be used. This system has some limitations in the maximum number of pages per volume. Each thesis copy should have on the front cover or on the title page, the title of the thesis, the candidate's initials and surname, the title of the degree, the year of submission and the name of the University of Sydney. The lettering on the spine, reading from top to bottom, should conform as much as possible to the above except that the name of the University of Sydney may be omitted and the thesis title abbreviated. Supporting material should be bound in the back of the thesis as an appendix or in a separate set of covers.

There is no general prescribed length for theses, treatises, dissertations or essays. For PhD theses the Academic Board has asked the faculties to resolve, if they considered it appropriate, that there should be an absolute upper limit of 100,000 words of text for PhD theses and a nominal upper limit of 80,000 words which may be exceeded with permission. The Faculty of Arts has deemed that PhD theses should normally be between 70,000 to 100,000 words and master's theses be between 40,000 to 60,000 words. Candidates enrolled in the professional doctorates submit a thesis of 50,000 words. These word limits do not include footnotes. An abstract of 250 to 300 words must also be submitted with PhD theses.

When submitting your thesis at the faculty office, you must also submit a Supervisor's Statement signed by your supervisor, attesting that the thesis is in a form of presentation suitable for examination, that you are responsible for research associated with the thesis, that appropriate ethics clearance has been sought and granted, and that examiners have been nominated. This form is available from the faculty office. Without a completed Supervisor's Statement the thesis cannot be accepted. You also need to complete a Lodgement of thesis form when submitting your thesis. This acknowledges that your thesis is now under examination and available for public use after the examination. On receipt of your thesis, you will receive a copy of this form. Scholarship holders can use this form to claim thesis preparation expenses from the Research Office. Once your thesis is submitted, a 'Copyright in relation to the thesis' sticker will be affixed to the inside cover.

In presenting your thesis for examination, you will be required to state in general terms in the preface, and more specifically in the notes, your sources, the animal and human ethical approvals obtained, the extent to which you have used the work of others and that portion of the thesis you claim to be your own original contribution. Generally speaking, you will be permitted to incorporate in your thesis work which you may have submitted for another degree provided you identify it as such but, of course, you may not submit a thesis that has already been successfully presented for a degree at this University or elsewhere.

Depending on the degree, with the approval of the faculty concerned, you may include in your thesis papers of which you are the sole or joint author, again provided that you identify your role in the work described in each paper and that they are based on work undertaken during the candidature for the degree. Other papers may be lodged in support of the thesis. Check with your faculty office for any specific faculty requirements.

It is University Policy that a candidate for a higher degree should not normally be permitted to undertake a program of advanced study and research which is likely to result in a thesis which cannot be available for use immediately to be read, photocopied or microfilmed. You are required to acknowledge this when applying for admission and when submitting your thesis. When your degree is awarded the thesis is lodged in the University Library and departmental library and becomes immediately available for consultation and, subject to your copyright rights, for photocopying and microfilming.

There are two sorts of circumstances when these provisions will not apply. If during the candidature it becomes clear that it will be necessary for you to use confidential material which you would not be at liberty fully to disclose in the thesis, the faculty may recommend to the Committee for Graduate Studies that permission be granted to include material essential to the thesis but which may not be available for general inspection in an appendix and that access shall be restricted to the appendix by the University Library for a period not normally exceeding five years. The examiners of the thesis and, as necessary, members of committees concerned with the examination will have unrestricted access to the appendix. The University Librarian may also grant access under certain conditions to bona fide scholars. Permission to include material in an appendix must be sought during the candidature and not after the thesis is completed.

Alternatively you may apply for the deferment of public availability of your thesis if you are preparing your thesis for publication and have reason to believe your interests would be at risk if the thesis were immediately available. The Dean of your faculty may grant a deferment of up to six months and can recommend to the Committee for Graduate Studies that a further deferment of up to another six months be granted. In such cases you would write to the faculty office with the support of your supervisor and head of department.

After the award of the degree, one copy, corrected as necessary, printed on acid free paper and permanently bound, must be lodged with the faculty office for deposit in Fisher Library. If the department/school requires a copy of your thesis, that is between yourself and the department – it is not a formal requirement for the degree. The requirement for the Library copy to be printed on acid free paper is because of the eventual disintegration of works printed on normal paper. When you submit the Library copy to the faculty office, all the other thesis copies will be available for you to pick up, as they are returned in due course by examiners.

Plagiarism

The following is an extract from the faculty's policy on plagiarism:

"Plagiarism is the use of the 'ideas, methods or written words of another without acknowledgment and with the intention that they be taken as the work of the deceiver'¹. It is the 'taking and using as one's own of the thoughts, writings, or inventions of another'². Plagiarism is not avoided by the devices of making an unacknowledged summary of another's ideas or by making minor alterations to an otherwise directly quoted text. In the course of academic life plagiarism appears both in the taking of the work of acknowledged scholars as well as in the taking of the work of peers, particularly other students. Plagiarism is a form of theft and a form of fraud. It constitutes an academic offence.

Students should understand that the avoidance of plagiarism is their responsibility and that the failure of markers to detect instances of the offence will not serve as a protection against penalties following later discovery."

Disciplinary action will be taken.

__________

¹ American Association of University Professors, Statement on Plagiarism, June 1990, reprinted in David A Dilts et al., Assessing What Professors Do, Westport CT, Greenwood Press, 1994, pp158–9.

² Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1975